You are my Sunshine

Have you ever wondered why your parents would tell you if you’re going to be outside make sure you put sunblock on? Let me tell you why. The sun and sunlamps give off ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but keep in mind the strongest sun rays are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It’s known to go through light clothing, windshields, and clouds. The sun’s ray is reflected by sand, water, snow, and Ice. Too much exposure to UV radiation can cause early aging skin damage and can lead to cancer. Even though skin cancer is more common among people with a lighter skin tone. People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, including those with dark skin.

Follow these tips to protect your skin from sunlight:

· Wear a hat with a brim all around that shades your face, neck, and ears. Baseball caps and some sun visors protect only parts of your skin.

· Wear sunglasses that block UV radiation to protect the skin around your eyes.

· Wear long sleeves and long pants

· Use sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to 30.

· Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and apply every two hours or after swimming or sweating

What Age groups may be affected the most?

The incidence rates for cancer overall climb steadily as age increases, from fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 people in age groups under age 20 to about 350 per 100,000 in people among age 45-49, to more than 1,000 per 100,000 people in age groups 60 and older.

So, like your loved one would say make sure to screen up before you step out.